What Causes Nausea in Third Trimester? What to Do?

Morning sickness, or nausea and vomiting with pregnancy, is relatively common during the first three months of pregnancy. This nausea during the first trimester can be very unpleasant, but it generally ends as the woman moves into the second trimester. For a few unlucky women, morning sickness does not end after the first trimester–for a very unfortunate few, the nausea and vomiting may continue into the third trimester or may recur in the last few months.

Third Trimester Nausea—Is It Normal?

During the final trimester, the baby is growing very rapidly and will be depleting vitamins and minerals from the mother. Although occasional nausea may be normal in the third trimester, repeated nausea especially if accompanied by frequent vomiting should be reported to your healthcare provider. Nausea in the third trimester can have a number of causes, some of which can cause problems if not taken care of.

Want to know more about nausea in the third trimester? Check out the video below:

What Are the Causes of Third Trimester Nausea?

It tends to happen sporadically and may not happen at all. In general, unless the nausea is persistent, most healthcare providers will not be too concerned. There are several causes of nausea in the third trimester.

1. Heartburn

Heartburn is the most common cause of nausea in the 3rd trimester. This problem occurs when the valve between the stomach and esophagus allows the acidic stomach contents to move back up the esophagus. Often called acid reflux, persistent heartburn can cause burns on the lining of the esophagus that can be a problem even after delivery. In the 3rd trimester, the growing baby can displace the stomach and cause food and acid to move back up into the esophagus.

2. Morning Sickness

The hormone hCG is highest in the first trimester when morning sickness is most common. Some women will continue to have high levels of this hormone throughout pregnancy which may increase the tendency for morning sickness through the third trimester.

3. Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is an extremely serious condition that usually occurs in the late second trimester or anytime in the third trimester. About 5 to 10 percent of pregnant women will develop preeclampsia and all pregnant women should know the signs and symptoms. Nausea is very common in this condition and you should see your healthcare provider if you begin having swelling, abdominal pain, visual changes or headaches with the nausea. Preeclamptic women will have high blood pressure and protein in the urine. This condition is dangerous for both the mother and baby, so it must be managed aggressively. Failure to manage this condition can cause strokes, seizures, liver and respiratory failure, and can lead to death of both the child and mother.

4. Labor

Finally, nausea in the third trimester may be a sign that you are finally going into labor! Typically, this will happen close to your due date and will usually be accompanied by backache, pressure in your pelvis, and abdominal contractions. Occasionally, some women experience cramping and diarrhea with the nausea caused by labor. Contact your healthcare provider who will tell you what steps to take next.

How to Relieve Third Trimester Nausea?

Once nausea and vomiting become an issue, relieving the symptom may be difficult. Therefore, it is important to try to avoid nausea in the third trimester by doing the following:

Methods

Descriptions

Eat small meals

Eat small, frequent meals rather than large ones. Try dividing your food into six small meals throughout the day.

Avoid eating right before bed

This may help heartburn that develops at night.

Try to avoid foods causing nausea

Spicy foods may trigger nausea in some people even if you normally can eat spices without problems.

No caffeine

Limit the amount of caffeine you take in.

Exercise regularly

Check with your doctor before you participate in any vigorous exercise.

Get enough rest

Put your feet up for an hour in the middle of the day. Have a regular bedtime at night.

Drink water

If nausea and vomiting do occur, be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated.

Natural Remedies to Ease Third Trimester Nausea

Eastern medicine has a tradition of natural remedies based on the concepts of yin and yang that may help ease your nausea during the first trimester. Yang or “hot” remedies may help relieve some sorts of nausea and yin or “cold” remedies may help others.

Remedies

Descriptions

Ginger

Ginger is a yang treatment that is widely used for nausea. According to Chinese tradition, ginger may work for you if you find yourself feeling chilly, disinterested or bored in your surroundings. Ginger tea or capsules are the most common way to take in ginger, but be sure not to use too much ginger each day. If you use some other kind of medication that thins your blood, ginger is probably not a good option for you since it will also act as a blood thinner.

Peppermint

Peppermint is a “cold” remedy for nausea. If you find that your nausea is accompanied by sweats and feeling hot, peppermint might be your first natural remedy. Again, use peppermint tea and brew it to the strength you can tolerate. Pour it over ice if hot tea increases the nausea.

Herbal Remedies

Other herbs that you can try include lemon tea, slippery elm lozenges, or chamomile tea. As with all of the natural remedies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider to make sure these remedies will not interfere with other medications you might take.

Acupressure

Acupressure and acupuncture are ancient remedies that have proven value in relieving nausea during the third trimester. Acupressure bands on your wrist may help relieve the nausea. To find the correct point, find the dip in your forearm three finger widths from the crease of your wrist on the inside of your forearm. Put the band on, so the hard button is over this point.

Other Methods

You can try to distract yourself by using soft music when you notice the first signs of nausea. Vitamin B6 is a great vitamin to try to control your nausea. Check with your healthcare provider to know how much of this vitamin you should take.